Amir Khan wants to finish career in the country where it all began for him more than 15 years ago, and one of his final fights could still involve – knock on wood – longtime countryman Kell Brook.
“I wanna fight by the end of the year,” Khan, 34, told FightHype. “I’m looking at a few dates right now. I’d like to fight back in the UK, it’s been a long time since I last fought. I’d like to finish out my last few fights as a professional in the UK. It would be nice to fight there for my fans.”
Khan (34-5, 21 KOs) has not fought in his own backyard since he decisioned Samuel Vargas in 2018 in Birmingham and has only fought four times total in the UK since 2010. Of course, Khan had a legitimate reason for not being so present on the British boxing scene throughout his prime years: he wanted to make a name for himself in the American market. On U.S. soil, he ended up going up against some of the top names in the junior welterweight division, including Zab Judah, Paulie Malignaggi, Lamont Peterson, Marcos Maidana, and Danny Garcia.
Of course, there is seemingly no way of mentioning Khan without bringing up his domestic rival Brook (39-3, 27 KOs). The two have had a long history of animosity but have never been able to channel their bitterness in a boxing ring, despite the fact that a potential fight seemed to make perfect financial sense for both parties. The matchup no longer has the same luster as it once did, as both fighters are firmly in the backends of their respective careers, but it still carries intrigue and respectable box office value.
Khan insists he is still on board in making the fight happen.
“I see the Brook fight all day long,” Khan responded when asked about the fight.”
Khan, however, made it clear that the ball is in Brook’s court, although he suggested that Brook, 35, was overpricing himself.
“At the end of the day Brook needs to step it up and make it happen,” Khan said. “Look, I’m ready now. I don’t know why he’s all quiet. Let’s hope he doesn’t outbid himself. He says that he wants more money.
“I’ve never been one to turn down any fight. I’ve fought guys like Canelo [Alvarez], [Terence] Crawford, I’ve fought the biggest names in the sport of boxing. You think I’m scared of Kell Brook? I mean, listen, let’s make that fight happen.”
Khan last fought in 2019, knocking out Billy Dib inside four rounds in Jeddah.
Brook last fought in 2020, losing by fourth-round stoppage to Crawford at Madison Square Garden in New York.